What is Social Jetlag?

Posted By: Sleepy's - The Mattress Experts

Share this article

If you’ve ever experienced a long flight or have travelled between time zones, you will know all about jetlag and what it feels like; the grogginess and
complete exhaustion. It is an unpleasant sensation and is commonly a significant reason why many people avoid travelling to other countries.

But did you know that jetlag can occur within the comfort of your own time zone? This concept is called Social Jetlag and is used by scientists
to describe the conflict between your regular sleep schedule and your circadian rhythm.

Most commonly, social jetlag will occur on the weekends (because they will generally be your most social time of the week!) On a typical weekday you might
go to bed at 10pm and wake up at 6am. But when you decide to party late on a weekend, or stay up to binge watch Netflix, this is where the jetlag occurs.

For example, if you go to bed at 11pm and sleep in until 7am on a weekend (as opposed to your regular hours), this is the equivalent of one hour of social
jetlag. In this context it seems harmless, but over a long period time it has the potential to cause significant health problems or encourage anti-social
behaviour!

A recent study has found that just one hour of social jetlag is associated with an 11 percent increase in the likelihood of heart disease. Additionally,
a team of researchers at the University of Arizona have found that consistent social jetlag can lead to increased fatigue, decrease in serotonin levels
and general crankiness.

Although sleep regularity certainly needs to play a significant role in our health, we do understand that there are many ups and downs experienced in a
regular working week, so we all deserve to let our hair down on weekends!

If you can try to be mindful of your social jetlag hours experienced and keep them to a minimum, your body and mind will thank you for it! If you are avoiding
bedtime for any particular reason, speak to our friendly team at your closest store; they will help you to find a mattress that is super comfortable,
welcoming and supports your sleep schedule!